Bi-Fold Doors vs Sliding Doors: Which Is Best for Your Home?

Bi-fold and sliding doors are two of the most popular door choices for homeowners, renovators, and specifiers alike, particularly when trying to achieve an open plan living space. But what is the difference between the two designs and how do they compare? This blog aims to find out by looking at style, energy efficiency, security, and cost. Hopefully by the end you will have a better idea of which is best for you and your home.

Why Compare Bi-Fold and Sliding Doors?

Both bi-fold and sliding doors are specifically designed to open a space – whether that is internally between rooms or externally into a garden. However, although they play a similar role, their design, the way they function, their aesthetics, and installation requirements differ quite significantly. As such, it is important to compare these factors and consider the finish you wish to achieve before buying your new bi-fold or sliding door.

How Do Bi-Fold Doors Work?

Bi-fold doors feature several glass panels connected by hinges. When opened, these panels fold back into themselves and stack neatly at the side. Their design means they open across nearly an entire doorway, creating a truly open plan living space. This makes them a popular choice for large rooms and doorways, particularly ‘patio’ doors, as they create a seamless transition between the inside and out. Bi-fold doors are also extremely flexible, as they can be opened both partially and fully, depending on the space you wish to create.

How Do Sliding Doors Work?

Sliding doors feature glass panels that slide open on a track, with one panel sliding behind another. As such, when closed they offer the same uninterrupted views and airy ambience as bi-fold doors, but when open they only open half of the doorway rather than the entire space. However, as the doors slide behind another, sliding doors are particularly suited to rooms where space is limited.

Bi-Fold vs Sliding Doors: Key Differences

Style and Aesthetic Appeal

Bi-fold doors offer a contemporary aesthetic, opening an entire wall to create an open plan living space or blend your indoors with the out. The numerous panes of glass provide a panoramic view and help to retain a feeling of space and openness, even when closed. However, due to the size of bi-fold doors they do have more visible frames when closed than sliding doors.

Sliding doors provide the same minimalistic finish as bi-fold doors, providing similar uninterrupted views. However, due to their sliding design they will not create a completely open space, with one side of the door always being present. Considering the look and impact you wish to create, both with your new doors open and closed, will help you determine which style of door is right for you and your home.

Space and Practicality

In terms of space and practicality both doors offer different options. Bi-fold doors enable you to completely open a space up, whether inside or inside to out, without any impeding doors. However, you do need the space to stack the open panels. As such, bifold doors are best suited to large areas.

Sliding doors still enable you to create an open plan space, but the width will always be limited to half or a third of the opening space, depending on the type of door you have. However, these doors will not intrude into your room as bi-fold doors would, which makes them ideal for smaller rooms or rooms where space around the door area is limited.

Energy Efficiency and Insulation

Both bi-fold and sliding doors can be energy efficient, but the effectiveness of this efficiency will depend on the type of frame you choose as well as the glazing. For example, double or triple glazed panes will provide the most energy efficiency, whilst comparing the energy efficiency ratings of your shortlisted doors will hopefully ensure you choose the most effective options.

In terms of design, bi-fold doors will have more joints and panels and therefore could be more susceptible to heat transfer and drafts if not correctly fitted. Whilst sliding doors do not have as many joints, it is still important to ensure they are correctly installed for ultimate energy efficiency.

Security Considerations

Both bi-fold and sliding doors are extremely safe and secure. Modern designs now come with multi-point locking systems, whilst sliding doors often have anti-lift tracks adding additional protection. To ensure you choose the most secure doors for your home, it’s important to research the security features of your chosen door.

Cost: Bi-Fold Doors vs Sliding Doors

Bi-fold doors are generally more expensive than sliding doors. This is usually due to size, their complex mechanisms and slightly more complicated installation. However, they can potentially add value to your home – as well as to your lifestyle.

Sliding doors are the more cost-effective option, particularly if the opening is small. This means you can still transform your home with beautiful, impactful doors, but without the initial high cost.

Which Is Right for Your Home?

The right door for you and your home will depend on several factors, such as your lifestyle, the size of your home, your budget, and the final aesthetic you wish to achieve.

Bi-fold doors are ideal for creating a truly open plan, indoor/outdoor living space. They are eye catching, modern, and come in a variety of materials, finishes and colours, allowing you to create the perfect doors to complement your home.Sliding doors are the ideal cost-effective alternative. Offering the same versatile finish in terms of colours and materials, these doors are the perfect partner for smaller or unusual shaped rooms. As they do not open fully, they also provide some coverage and protection even when open.

To ensure you choose the right door for your home, think carefully about how you will want to use your new door and the final look you wish to achieve.

Speak to National Plastics About Bi-Fold and Sliding Doors

For further information about the National Plastics range of bi-fold and sliding doors, or for advice and guidance on which style is right for you, call our expert team today on 0800 22 77 77 for a no obligation chat.